The society, which holds monthly afternoon and evening film screenings at the Public Hall, had reached 400 members by the end of its last season in April, and already has more than 350 signed up for the new programme.

There is a mix of nine films from countries including India, the former Czechoslovakia, France, Denmark, the UK and the USA.

The last year has seen money invested in the sound system, and the society has paid half the cost of relining the curtains in the Public Hall to improve the blackout facilities.

The season will open on September 24 with Kolya, a heart-warming story about a cellist living in Prague under communist rule.

Information and brochures for the Film Society are available from Budleigh Library and Orchard Wholefoods, as well as cafes around the town.

The society’s recently increased membership has also allowed it to support the National Film and Television School’s scholarship fund, helping local student Miles Ridgeway, who won a much-coveted place there for a two-year course.

Financially, the second year will be even more difficult for Miles, and while Budleigh Film Society will be making a second contribution, if anyone else would like to help Miles they are asked to contact Margaret Yerrell on 01395 442178.